Monday, November 17, 2008

Some food cravings are not a problem. How does one know the difference when it comes to food cravings?

Various studies estimate that roughly 90% of the U.S. population experiences food cravings, and cravings are more common in those that diet. However, not all food cravings are problematic. The only person that knows if it's a problem is YOU. Here are some things to ask yourself:

Do I have a hard time stopping once I start eating certain foods?

Do I have to keep certain foods out of my house, so I don't overeat?

Do I think too much about eating or not eating?

Do I try to eat well, and end up giving into my cravings anyways?

Do I wish I had more willpower with certain foods?

Do I feel bad about myself when I overeat?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may be in store for some more peace and ease with food. So, what kind of cravings are not problematic?

Those that don't negatively impact your health and well-being.

Here are two examples:

A friend of mine who is very athletic craves pasta. This craving doesn't bother him, as he enjoys eating pasta and figures he'll burn it off and needs the carbohydrate fuel. If he stopped exercising, didn't reduce his intake, and started gaining weight, this may start to be a problem. Currently, it does not bother him.

Another example is, I have a desire for chocolate every so often. When this happens, I can decide if I want some or not. I'm able to pass on it without a problem if there's no chocolate around. I don't have to drive to the store if I don't have any. If I eat some, I enjoy it, it's easy to stop, and I'm not compelled to overdo. This craving is not a problem for me.

So, I encourage you to ask yourself if you have cravings that bother you? Or, are you happy with the way you eat and behave around food? I hope it's the latter. However, if your cravings bother you, please contact me. I use a technique that can bring you quick relief from your food cravings.

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About Kara

I help you make Peace with Food. I help you resolve your Food Cravings, Intolerances, and habits of Overeating. I offer phone and in person sessions. I have a BS in Dietetics from the University of California, Davis, MS In Nutrition Science for California State University, Long Beach and MS in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.